By Craig O Craig O’Donoghue
Confidence is growing that Sunday鈥檚 game between Fremantle and Sydney will remain at the SCG after an AFL expert examined changes made to the playing surface on Tuesday.
Ground staff have been working since Friday to fix the issues that left Swans and Western Bulldogs players constantly falling over on Friday night. Work will continue throughout the week with a decision expected to be made on Friday as to whether the game will remain at the SCG or be moved.
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir addressed the issue with his players during a team meeting on Tuesday, telling them to focus on their preparation instead of concerning themselves with where the game will be played.
But vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw won鈥檛 be taking any risks with his ability to stand up. Brayshaw will be packing multiple sets of boots and making a decision on which gives him the most traction during the warm up.
鈥淥bviously we鈥檙e not allowed to wear metals but you can get some moulded screw ins to try to give yourself an advantage there. I just wear normal Nike boots but I do have a pair of screw ins that aren鈥檛 metal. I鈥檒l definitely be bringing them,鈥 Brayshaw explained.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e studs but a little bit longer than what they would usually be.
鈥淚 always travel with a couple of pairs. I鈥檒l definitely bring a pair of screw ins as well this weekend so I have a few options.鈥
鈥淵ou鈥檝e got to try to keep your feet as much as you can. There鈥檚 a lot of footwork we do as midfielders particularly to try and stay on your toes because if you fall over you are no good to anyone.鈥
Greater Western Sydney took to social media on Tuesday to cheekily invite the Swans to move the game to their home ground at ENGIE Stadium. They also suggested ENGIE Stadium as a venue for Fremantle鈥檚 Captain鈥檚 Run on Saturday given it is unlikely they鈥檒l get early access to the SCG even if the game is played there.
The Dockers have won their past two games at the SCG and also won at ENGIE Stadium during their clash against the Giants there in round 10.
Fremantle are in form having won six games in a row and have only produced seven-match winning streaks three times in club history. Brayshaw said they were excited about playing anywhere.
鈥淛L did touch on no matter where we play, we are going to try and bring our brand of footy,鈥 he said.
鈥淲e鈥檝e played well on the SCG in the last couple of times we鈥檝e been there. So I don鈥檛 mind where we play. JL said in the meeting that we鈥檒l play on the moon if we have to. We鈥檒l go out there and try to get a win.鈥